Current Affairs 04 February 2025

Current Affairs 04 February 2025

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1. Punjab’s Sift Kaur Samra won gold in 50m shooting in 38th National Games
Punjab’s Sift Kaur Samra clinched the gold medal in the 50m rifle shooting event at the 38th National Games. She showcased exceptional precision and consistency throughout the competition. Her victory further solidifies her reputation as one of India's top rifle shooters. The National Games witnessed intense competition, but Sift's performance stood out. This achievement adds to her growing list of accolades in Indian shooting.
Foot notes:
  • Gold Medal Win: Sift Kaur Samra from Punjab won the gold medal in the Women's 50m 3 Position event, scoring an impressive 461.2 points.
  • Strong Comeback: This win marks a strong comeback for Samra after the Olympics, where she had missed the finals. She expressed her joy, saying, "This feels like a comeback for me after the Olympics".
  • Podium Finish: Samra was joined on the podium by fellow Punjab shooter Anjum Moudgil, who secured silver with 458.7 points, and Telangana's Surabhi Bhardwaj Rapole, who took bronze with a score of 448.8 points.
  • Praise from Peers: Anjum Moudgil praised Samra's performance, saying, "She's an exceptional shooter, and I've always admired her".
  • National Games Success: The 38th National Games have been a platform for India's top athletes to showcase their skills, with Samra's win adding to the excitement and anticipation of the Games
2. Karnataka Bank has won six awards for excellence in banking by Indian Banks Association
Karnataka Bank has won six prestigious awards for excellence in banking from the Indian Banks' Association (IBA). These awards recognize the bank’s outstanding performance in various banking sectors. Karnataka Bank’s achievements highlight its commitment to innovation, customer service, and financial inclusion. The awards reflect the bank’s continuous efforts in enhancing digital banking and operational efficiency. This recognition further strengthens Karnataka Bank’s position as a leading player in India’s banking sector.
Foot notes:
  • Six Awards Won: Karnataka Bank has been recognized for its excellence in banking by the Indian Banks' Association (IBA), winning six prestigious awards.
  • Awards for Digital Banking and More: The bank won awards in various categories, including "Best Bank for Digital Banking", "Best Bank for MSME", and "Best Bank for Agriculture Lending".
  • Recognition of Innovative Initiatives: The awards acknowledge Karnataka Bank's innovative initiatives and commitment to providing excellent banking services to its customers.
  • Indian Banks' Association Recognition: The IBA awards are a testament to Karnataka Bank's efforts to excel in the banking industry, as recognized by the IBA, a premier association of banks in India.
  • Boost to Bank's Reputation: These awards are expected to enhance Karnataka Bank's reputation and reinforce its position as a leading bank in the country, known for its customer-centric approach and innovative banking solutions.
3. Indian-American singer Chandrika Tandon won Grammy Award
Indian-American vocalist and entrepreneur Chandrika Tandon has won her first Grammy Award at the age of 71. She received the award in the Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album category for her album "Triveni," a collaboration with South African flautist Wouter Kellerman and Japanese cellist Eru Matsumoto. This marks Tandon's first Grammy win, following a previous nomination in 2009 for her album "Soul Call." "Triveni" was recognized at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, held on February 3, 2025.
Foot notes:
  • Grammy Award Winner: Chandrika Tandon, an Indian-American singer, composer, and entrepreneur, has won the prestigious Grammy Award.
  • Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album: Tandon's album "Shanti Samsara" won the award for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album, recognizing her unique blend of Indian classical music and global influences.
  • Fusion of Indian and Global Music: "Shanti Samsara" is a Sanskrit phrase meaning "world peace", and the album features a fusion of Indian classical music, jazz, and other global influences, showcasing Tandon's innovative approach to music.
  • Proud Moment for Indian-American Community: Tandon's Grammy win is a proud moment for the Indian-American community, highlighting the contributions and achievements of Indian-Americans in the arts and culture.
4. Angel One appoints Manoj Agarwal as Group Chief Compliance Officer
Angel One Limited has appointed Manoj Agarwal as its Group Chief Compliance Officer (CCO). With over two decades of experience in compliance, legal, audit, and risk management, Manoj will lead the development, implementation, and management of Angel One's compliance programs, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and ethical practices. He will also represent the company in industry forums and regulatory working groups. Prior to joining Angel One, Manoj served as the Chief Compliance Officer at Upstox and held senior positions at Kotak Securities, HDFC Securities, and Tata Consultancy Services.
Foot notes:
  • New Appointment: Angel One, a leading financial services company, has appointed Manoj Agarwal as its Group Chief Compliance Officer.
  • Leadership Role: In his new role, Agarwal will be responsible for overseeing and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements across the Angel One group.
  • Expertise in Compliance: Manoj Agarwal brings over two decades of experience in compliance, risk management, and regulatory affairs, having worked with leading financial institutions and consulting firms.
  • Strengthening Governance: The appointment of Agarwal as Group Chief Compliance Officer is expected to strengthen Angel One's governance framework and ensure adherence to the highest standards of regulatory compliance.
5. India Defends U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Title with Dominant Win
India's U19 women's cricket team clinched their second consecutive ICC Women's U19 T20 World Cup title with a dominant nine-wicket victory over South Africa in the final held in Kuala Lumpur on February 2, 2025. Opting to bat first, South Africa was bowled out for 82 runs in 20 overs. India's bowlers delivered an exceptional performance, with Gongadi Trisha taking 3 wickets for 15 runs, Parunika Sisodia claiming 2 for 6, and Aayushi Shukla contributing 2 for 9. In response, India chased down the target comfortably, reaching 84 for 1 in just 11.3 overs. Gongadi Trisha led the batting with an unbeaten 44 runs, while Soumya Chalke supported with 26 not out.
Foot notes:
  • Unbeaten Champions: India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, showcasing their exceptional skill, composure, and dominance.
  • Bowling Masterclass: India's disciplined bowling attack restricted South Africa to just 82 runs, with Gongadi Trisha taking three wickets and Aayushi Shukla delivering a economical spell of 2 for 9.
  • Trisha's All-Round Performance: Trisha was instrumental in India's win, taking three wickets and then scoring an unbeaten 44 off 33 balls, striking eight fours.
  • Record-Breaking Tournament: Trisha finished as the tournament's top run-scorer with 309 runs and was named the Player of the Match and the Player of the Tournament.
  • Cash Reward for the Team: The BCCI announced a cash reward of INR 5 Crore for the victorious squad and support staff, recognizing their outstanding achievement.
6. Jonathan Gavin Antony clinched Gold medal in Men’s 10-metre Air Pistol event
At the 38th National Games held in Dehradun, 15-year-old Jonathan Gavin Antony from Karnataka clinched the gold medal in the men's 10-meter air pistol event, becoming the youngest champion in this category.  He delivered an impressive final score of 240.7, surpassing seasoned shooters including Paris Olympics bronze medalist Sarabjot Singh, who finished fourth.  Ravinder Singh of Services secured the silver medal with a score of 240.3, while Gurpreet Singh took bronze with 220.1.  Jonathan's journey into shooting began in 2022, inspired by his mother, Ancy, a former college-level rifle shooter. Balancing his passion for shooting with academic commitments, Jonathan aims to represent India in future international competitions, including the 2028 Olympics.
Foot notes:
  • Gold Medal Win: Jonathan Gavin Antony clinched the gold medal in the Men's 10-metre Air Pistol event, showcasing his exceptional marksmanship skills.
  • National Record: Antony's impressive performance helped him set a new national record in the event, highlighting his dominance in the sport.
  • Precise Shooting: Antony demonstrated remarkable precision and control throughout the competition, hitting the bullseye with consistency and accuracy.
  • International Recognition: This gold medal win is expected to boost Antony's international ranking and reputation, paving the way for future success in global competitions.
  • Inspiration to Young Shooters: Antony's achievement serves as an inspiration to young shooters in India, encouraging them to pursue their passion for the sport and strive for excellence.
7. Anchor Oral Care signs Archita Sahu as brand ambassador to strengthen presence in Odisha
Anchor Oral Care, a leading brand under Anchor Consumer Products, has appointed renowned Odia actor Archita Sahu as its brand ambassador to strengthen its presence in Odisha. As part of this initiative, the company has launched two new campaigns tailored for the region: "Laal Kamaal Bemisaal" and "Naye Zamane Ki Nayi Suraksha." The former highlights the benefits of Anchor Red Toothpaste, a herbal solution enriched with six core Ayurvedic ingredients, while the latter emphasizes comprehensive oral care for modern families.
Foot notes:
  • Brand Ambassador: Anchor Oral Care has signed popular Odia actress Archita Sahu as its brand ambassador to strengthen its presence in Odisha.
  • Regional Focus: The partnership aims to increase Anchor Oral Care's visibility and reach in Odisha, leveraging Archita's massive fan following in the region.
  • Promoting Oral Health: As brand ambassador, Archita will promote Anchor Oral Care's products and emphasize the importance of maintaining good oral health habits among the people of Odisha.
  • Archita's Influence: With her widespread popularity and influence in Odisha, Archita is expected to help Anchor Oral Care connect with its target audience and build brand loyalty in the region.
  • Expanding Market Share: The partnership is part of Anchor Oral Care's strategy to expand its market share in Odisha and establish itself as a leading oral care brand in the state.
8. Ajay Nagabhushan Mn appointed as Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Ajay Nagabhushan Mn has been appointed as the Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. He brings a wealth of experience in public administration and policy-making. In his new role, Ajay will oversee key projects and initiatives in the ministry related to media, communication, and public outreach. His appointment aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the ministry's operations. Ajay’s expertise is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of India’s media and broadcasting landscape.
Foot notes:
  • New Appointment: Ajay Nagabhushan Mn, a 2004 batch IAS officer of Karnataka cadre, has been appointed as Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
  • Tenure: His tenure will be for a period of five years from the date of assumption of the charge of the post.
  • Temporary Upgradation: The appointment was made by temporarily upgrading a vacant post of Director to Joint Secretary level.
  • Key Responsibilities: As Joint Secretary, Nagabhushan will be responsible for overseeing various aspects of the Ministry's work, including policy formulation, implementation, and coordination with other departments.
  • Significance: This appointment is part of a major bureaucratic reshuffle, with 17 joint secretary-level appointments made across various ministries and departments.
9. World Cancer Day observed on 4th February
World Cancer Day is observed annually on February 4th to raise awareness about cancer and promote its prevention, detection, and treatment. The day serves as a platform for individuals, organizations, and communities worldwide to unite in the fight against cancer. The theme for 2025 focuses on "Close the Care Gap," emphasizing the need to reduce inequities in cancer care and improve access to treatment for all. Events, campaigns, and educational programs are organized globally to highlight the importance of early detection and healthier lifestyles in reducing cancer risks. World Cancer Day aims to inspire action and bring hope to those affected by the disease, encouraging a global effort towards cancer prevention and cure.
Foot notes:
  • Annual Observation: World Cancer Day is observed annually on February 4th to raise awareness about cancer and encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment.
  • Global Initiative: The day is a global initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to unite people and organizations in the fight against cancer.
  • Theme: Each year, World Cancer Day has a specific theme; recent themes have included "I Am and I Will" and "Close the Care Gap", highlighting the importance of collective action and reducing disparities in cancer care.
  • Raising Awareness: The day aims to raise awareness about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for various types of cancer, as well as promote healthy lifestyle choices and cancer screening.
  • Reducing Cancer Burden: The ultimate goal of World Cancer Day is to reduce the global cancer burden by promoting education, research, and advocacy, and encouraging governments and individuals to take action against cancer.
10. 'Meteor Garden' actor Barbie Hsu passed away
Barbie Hsu, the renowned Taiwanese actress best known for her role in the hit drama Meteor Garden, has passed away. She was 41 years old at the time of her death, and her passing has deeply saddened her fans and the entertainment industry. Barbie was a beloved figure in Taiwan and across Asia, gaining widespread recognition for her portrayal of Shan Cai in Meteor Garden, which became a cultural phenomenon. Besides acting, she was also a singer and had a significant influence on Taiwanese pop culture. Her unexpected passing has left a lasting impact on her fans, who remember her for her vibrant talent and contributions to the entertainment world.
Foot notes:
  • Cause of Death: Barbie Hsu, the Taiwanese actress from the popular drama "Meteor Garden", passed away due to complications from influenza-associated pneumonia, which led to sepsis.
  • Final Days: Hsu was on a family trip to Japan during the Chinese New Year period when she fell ill. She was initially treated for her symptoms but unfortunately, her condition deteriorated rapidly.
  • Underlying Health Conditions: It's reported that Hsu had mitral valve prolapse, a valvular heart disease, which may have contributed to her susceptibility to complications from pneumonia.
  • Tributes Pouring In: Friends, family, and fans are mourning Hsu's loss, including her longtime friend Janet Chia, who shared a heartfelt post on Instagram.
  • Legacy Lives On: Barbie Hsu's iconic roles, including her portrayal of San Chai in "Meteor Garden", will continue to be cherished by fans worldwide, ensuring her legacy lives on.
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